Racism In Cape Town

The chill has driven me under blankets, propped up against the bedstead, not too pleased with the unseasonable cold. Maybe it's a sign of creeping old age, maybe a manifestation of the larger darkness seemingly settling on the world, maybe just my melancholic interpretation of both, but the world appears cold, not just the weather. Humanity seems so fraught with strife and conflict, delighting in dastardly behaviour, without the constraint of conscience. And in the spirit of attracting more of what you focus on, whilst it is important to discuss, dissect and debrief that which tears at our fabric, forces us apart and keeps us mutually 'other', equally vital is affirming, analyzing and advocating that which unites us, uplifts us, and gives us common cause. The explicit racism displayed in Cape Town over the last while, bassoon-ed by social media and focussed on Cape Town's reputation, once again allows for an opportunity to parade our faults and flaws as a city, to entrench historic presumption on racial behaviour, and gives cause for trouncing those who seek to uphold a more positive interpretation of the Cape Town experience. I refuse to act like I'm surprised by displays of racism, after all, that would suggest that my own experience of racist behaviour in Cape Town was unique to me. What does surprise me is how blatant people are about it. Like it's ok to be a racist. Or defend racist behaviour. A woman was beaten up, a person peed on, somebody sjambok-ed, a mother attacked by a group of teens, a petrol-attendant violently assaulted, and on all these incidents race informs hugely. And whilst I know that these are scenarios that deserve our attention, our outrage, our demand for action, we should stay cognizant of balance. I'm relieved to report that diverse South Africans of my acquaintance of all shades were as outraged about these incidents as I am, and as saddened and disgusted. Unfortunately that is not enough. It becomes harder to deny that these 'incidents' are symptomatic of a malaise, that it is not suggestive of a culture and a lifestyle that has not transformed to include consideration for the rights and humanity of others. Does that mean there are large-scale gatherings of Capetonians of a certain hue planning the cruel debasement and loathsome humiliation of others? Hardly. I believe. Equally far-fetched though would be believing that racism disappeared like mist before the sun with the advent of democracy, or that all racists had epiphanies and did an about-turn. Those racists are still amongst us, and with recent events highlighted it's clear they haven't changed much. As I said, while I think racism should be exposed, eradicated and shown to be effectively dealt with, I believe as key is highlighting where we get the opposite right. And we do, in most lives to a lesser or more degree. Yes, many of our practical realities can be unforgiving and harsh, but we all have friendships, relationships and engagements that constantly denies what apartheid meant it for us to be. We all know better South Africans. We know moments of serendipity and synchronicity that daily illustrates the possibility of a Cape Town dream. There is also warmth here, and caring, and unity. There is sharing, fealty and community. Granted, not everywhere, but if we focus some on where we get it right. maybe we can attract more for where we still lack. For whilst part of the battle against racism is confronting it's expression, part of it also is celebrating the alternative. It helps to focus on what you want more of. Spend some time defining and refining that. And you're not not a racist because you say so. The only way to not be a racist is by not being one. Be warm this cold night. SP Day 12032014